Domestic violence prevalent in S.C.

Each year, millions of people in the United States — primarily women and children — are affected by domestic violence.

Among the places where the crime is most prevalent is South Carolina, which has the highest rate of violent crime per capita and only trails Nevada in number of homicides committed by a family or household member, according to the Violence Policy Center.

Almost three out of every 100,000 people in the state are victims of domestic violence, statistics show.

"Ever since I moved here, the state has been in the top 10 for intimates being killed," said Marlene Evans, victim services director for the Spartanburg based SAFE Homes- Rape Crisis Coalition. "From what I know, it hasn't dropped below seventh."

Though not a subject found in one's medical book, the high rate of domestic violence almost qualifies the crime as a disease, according to Evans.

"Regardless of age, race or religion, you can find domestic violence," Evans said. "There is no root cause for it."

Victims from Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties come through Evans' doors every day, many of which she has previously seen. Despite her constant pleadings with many of them to leave abusive situations, she said it takes several cases of abuse before victims decide to abandon the relationship.

But for some, the clock strikes midnight before they are able to leave.

"You have a real problem with emotions if you have to beat on someone when you get angry," Evans said. "For a lot of these people, it's someone they trust that is doing this to them. I guess they think what they do they can get away with; but this is something you cannot just work through or get past."

Most cases involve women and children, but men are sometimes the victims of domestic abuse.

Evans blames a "cycle of violence" being passed from one generation to the next as a root cause of the problem.

SAFE has helped nearly 7,000 Upstate residents in abusive relationships. The group has also sheltered 417 people needing intervention by law enforcement officials or other agencies.

Evans said the domestic violence intervention organization has helped 521 victims file orders of protection from abusive friends or family members.

"Would you continue to sweep dirt under a rug?," Evans said. "Well, we're here to make sure everyone is safe and prevent such acts from happening in the first place."

There has only been one death in Cherokee County this year as a result of domestic violence.